Ubud, minus the stress of planning. This private full-day tour strings together the big hits—Sangeh Monkey Forest, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Bali Swing—without the hassle of driving yourself. I also like that admission tickets are included and that you get an English-speaking driver/guide who can help you time the day.

You’ll get loads of photo options at the giant swing area, with a photographer working off your mobile phone, plus time to enjoy the rice terraces and temple rituals at a calmer pace. One thing to think about: the giant swing is high, and it’s also not recommended if you have acrophobia or certain health conditions.

Quick hits you’ll care about

• Private, all-day flow from your hotel with an English-speaking driver/guide, so you avoid self-drive headaches.
• Photo-heavy Bali Swing includes a photographer using your phone, with access to many swing/photo set-ups.
• Admission included across every main stop, so the day feels more predictable.
• Tirta Empul purification lets you watch an active Hindu ritual around bubbling spring water.
• Waterfall time includes a walk down a trail to the viewing area and optional dip, if you want it.

Why this Ubud Highlights day feels easier than DIY

If you’ve ever tried to “just wing it” in Ubud, you know the problem: distances add up fast, ticket lines eat time, and your day turns into a scramble. This tour is built to keep things moving while still letting you slow down at each place. You’re in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup offered from your accommodation, and you ride with an English-speaking driver/guide rather than trying to coordinate everything yourself.

The value here is in the mix: wildlife + dramatic photo spots + classic Ubud views + a spiritual stop + nature. You’re not bouncing between far-flung experiences without context. And because admission tickets are included at each stop, you’re not hunting for counters or wondering what’s extra once you arrive.

One practical note: it’s a full day (about 7 to 8 hours). If you’re hoping for a lazy afternoon, plan for a day that ends with sleepy legs.

Sangeh Monkey Forest: giant pala trees and a spiritual setting

Sangeh Monkey Forest is a different kind of monkey encounter than the usual roadside animal photo. The forest is surrounded by hundreds of giant pala trees, so the whole place feels cooler, shaded, and oddly fresh. You walk under those towering trees and you’ll see playful monkeys, plus lizards and butterflies moving through the canopy.

What I like is the deeper context. In this area, there are three ancient temples, and the forest has long served the local community as a spiritual center, along with economic and educational roles, plus tree conservation. That matters because you’re not only looking for cheeky monkeys—you’re also in a living religious space.

Plan for it to be an hour-long stop, and expect the monkeys to be curious. This is a walk-through experience, not a zoo visit, so keep your belongings secure and stay alert when you pause for photos.

Bali Swing photo stops: high fun, lots of props, and a phone photographer

Bali Swing is the part most people remember. You’ll challenge yourself by swinging high over a canyon and green valley view, with staff guiding the setup and taking photos continuously while you pose. The tour also gives you access to a bunch of smaller swing styles and photo spots, which is a clever way to get variety without feeling like you’re stuck waiting for one single moment.

Some of the swing/photo set-ups you may have access to include:

• Tandem bench swing
• Libra Swing
• Romantic bed swing
• Jungle bed
• egg nest and Onion nest
• Titanic photo spot
• Jungle stone, Heart nest, Bird nest
• Stairs to Heaven

The photographer element is especially practical. Instead of you relying on shaky phone timing, a professional is there during your swing moments, using your mobile phone. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling in a pair, because you usually don’t get great photos when everyone is taking turns holding the camera.

Now the drawback: this is height-based fun. The tour explicitly notes it’s not recommended for people with acrophobia, and you should also think twice if you have any condition that could get triggered by standing near edges or swinging overhead. Wear light, comfortable clothes that won’t tangle easily, and bring a change of clothes because the day includes wetter spots later.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: viewpoints, shade, and a slower pace

After the big energy of Bali Swing, the rice terraces are a good reset. At Tegalalang, you get those classic layered green paddies with coconut trees dotting the scene like natural accents. You can do a short walk among the terraces, or you can stay near a viewpoint and simply take in the atmosphere.

I like that this stop is flexible. If your legs feel good, you can wander along paths and angles that give different views. If you’d rather not risk uneven walking after a long photo stop, you can still get the look from a viewpoint area and enjoy it without rushing.

Expect about an hour. In Ubud, that’s a sweet spot because you can get photos and still have energy for the temple and waterfall.

Tirta Empul Temple: watching purification at a bubbling spring

Tirta Empul Temple is where the day shifts from photos to people and ritual. The temple is built around a bubbling spring water source, and you’ll see Hindu devotees doing purification bathing as part of their spiritual routine. It’s an active place of worship, not a staged show, so be respectful and keep your attitude calm.

The spring feeds multiple purification baths, pools, and fish ponds around the outer perimeter, and the water flows toward the Pakerisan River. You can watch the process and take in the sound and movement of the water—very different from the quiet, scenic stops earlier in the day.

Can you try the purification bathing ritual yourself? The tour info says you can, but that the formal routine is meant for pilgrims and devotees. The helpful move is to ask your driver/guide or someone at the temple for guidance on how to do it properly. Since this is a ritual space, you don’t want to improvise.

Bring a bit of common sense here: dress appropriately for temple areas, keep belongings managed, and remember that this stop is about observing and participating respectfully, not getting the perfect pose.

Tegenungan Waterfall: trail walk, photo moments, and optional swim

Tegenungan Waterfall is a nature break that still works for photographers. To reach the waterfall, you walk down a trail for a few minutes past some shops, and the scene opens into a green valley panorama with the cascading water as the centerpiece.

The tour leaves room to choose your style. You can simply take photos from the trail and viewing areas, or you can take a dip if you want to get wet and cool off. There are also cute photo spots along the trail, so you’re not limited to one location.

One practical consideration: waterfalls mean slippery ground and time on your feet. Wear supportive shoes or sandals that won’t betray you on wet steps. Pack a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to swim or even if you just want to stay comfortable afterward.

Price and logistics: what $73 covers and where you’ll spend extra

At $73 per person for a private full day (about 7 to 8 hours), the big reason this price can feel fair is that admissions are included across the major stops. That typically adds up in Bali, especially when you’re stacking places like monkey forest + rice terraces + temple + waterfall plus the Bali Swing experience.

You also get:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation and parking fees
• Fuel surcharge
• English-speaking driver/guide
• Photographer at Bali Swing using your mobile phone
• Mobile ticket

What’s not included is where your budget planning matters most: lunch. Plan to grab something nearby or bring snacks. Also, dress for swing and photos isn’t included. If you want a styled look, you can rent a dress for USD $20/dress.

One more thing I’d plan around: water. A past group noted the driver didn’t provide a bottle of water, and the tour data doesn’t list water as included. So I’d treat this as a bring-your-own-water day, or plan a quick convenience store stop where you can buy drinks.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a great pick if you want a structured Ubud day with iconic stops, without self-drive risk or group delays. It fits couples, families with older kids, and friend groups who want photo opportunities but also care about the temple and nature side.

It’s also a good match if you like the idea of a private setup with an English-speaking guide. In the past, drivers with names like Rian, Ketut Agus Wihantara, Yogi, Wayan, and Goose have been praised for friendly, organized service and careful driving. That personal touch tends to show up most when you want small timing tweaks, like extra time to browse or adjust the order so you don’t feel rushed.

Skip it, or at least think hard, if:

• You have asthma, epilepsy, or acrophobia (the tour states it’s not recommended for these)
• You hate high places and swinging
• You want lots of free, solo wandering with no schedule at all

Age range is listed as 7 to 60, and most people can participate, but the health notes are important.

Should you book this Ubud tour with Giant Swing?

Book it if you want one smooth day that hits Ubud’s headline experiences—monkeys, rice terraces, a real working temple, a waterfall, and the giant swing—while also taking the guesswork out of tickets and routing. The photo plan at Bali Swing is a strong reason to choose this option, especially if you’re traveling with people who aren’t great at getting everyone in frame.

Pass or reconsider if the giant swing height is a dealbreaker for you, or if you really want to control your day down to the minute without any guided structure. For most people, though, the mix of admission-included stops plus private transport makes this a practical value, not just a sightseeing checklist.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Private Full Day Tour to Ubud Highlights with Giant Swing?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are admission tickets included for all the main stops?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for Sangeh Monkey Forest, Bali Swing, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included.

Do you get help with photos at Bali Swing?

Yes. There is a professional photographer at Bali Swing who uses your mobile phone to take photos.

Can I rent a dress for the swing and photo spots?

Yes. Dress rental is available for USD $20 per dress.

Is this tour truly private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Does weather affect the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who should not take this tour?

It’s not recommended for travelers with asthma, epilepsy, or acrophobia. The stated age range for participation is 7 to 60 years old.